Rumination Syndrome Treatment

Several studies of the treatment of rumination syndrome have produced some very positive and exciting findings. Since RS is quite complex, it makes sense that research has highlighted many important parts in the treatment of RS.

Education. Families who understand the diagnosis, do not worry that perhaps another condition is present, and who take an active part in treatment tend to make the most progress in treatment.

Treating the trigger symptoms. Treating symptoms such as nausea or bloating that occur after eating can reduce the frequency of the rumination behavior.

Undoing the newly learned “habit.” Treatment includes focusing on increasing awareness of what your abdominal muscles are doing, learning new behaviors for the abdominal muscles instead of tightening, and keeping the body relaxed during mealtimes.

Retraining the stomach to hold food again. Patients benefit from starting very slowly with small amounts and then gradually increasing their stomach’s ability to tolerate greater amounts of food and fluid.

Teaching self-regulation. Learning how to regulate the autonomic nervous system allows for greater physical relaxation as well as management of the trigger symptoms.

Identifying and addressing other problems. Many patients with RS also experience depression, anxiety, worry, and stress. Often, these problems arise from having RS. These conditions make RS worse, and tend to make it more difficult to treat. For this reason, it is important to note when these problems are present, and work on them as part of treatment.

The Rumination Syndrome (RS) Treatment Program was developed based on the components of treatment listed above, and designed specifically to help patients suffering from RS. Our program has short-term and long-term goals.